8 under-the-radar wine destinations in USA

Everyone knows California is king when it comes to winemaking in the US. But there are many other regions across the country that produce unique wines. Head to these under-the-radar gems to redefine your idea of wine country.

Hill Country, Texas

Wildflowers, stargazing, and small-town hospitality make Texas Hill Country a wine destination you won’t find anywhere else. It’s made for road trips, with dozens of boutique wineries dotting the limestone hills and scenic meadows. The winemakers in Hill Country are approachable and eager to share what they know. The terroir produces bold flavors, perfect for growing Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache.

Get deep into local culture with live music, a bohemian art-scene, farm-to-table dining, Tex-Mex, and barbeque. Make a stop at one of the many craft breweries, cideries, or whiskey distilleries you’ll discover along the wine trails.

Can’t miss wineries:

Ron Yates Wines, Pedernales Cellars, Duchman Winery

Best time to visit:

Wildflowers are in bloom from March to May, and the weather is perfect for tastings and picnics. September to November offer fall foliage and comfortable temperatures.

Best towns to stay:

Fredericksburg and Wimberly for a small-town experience. Dripping Springs for craft breweries.

Palisade, Colorado

Follow the rushing river, deep canyons, and red rock formations to take you to Palisade. This pioneering Colorado town is your gateway to original American takes on wine and outdoor adventure. Camp in the Grand Mesa National Forest, then pull up to the tasting table in your RV. Top grapes in the region are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, but you’ll find just about everything here, from Merlot and Chardonnay to Ports and Meads.

Marvel in Palisade’s panoramic views. The Colorado River, forests, and mountains are gorgeous places for hiking, kayaking, and biking. Taste fruit straight off the tree at one of Palisade’s famous orchards. In the late summer you can pick local peaches, apples, and cherries. 

Can’t miss wineries:

Bookcliff, Colterris, Ordinary Fellow, Talon, Red Fox Cellars

Best time to visit:

Weather is warm from May to September, with the harvest season starting during the late summer months.

Best towns to stay:

Palisade itself is the perfect base. Fruita and Loma are a reasonable drive and put you at the gateway to outdoor adventure.

Finger Lakes, New York

Waterfront wine tastings and welcoming locals beckon you to the Finger Lakes. Riesling is the specialty in this charming part of rural New York that’s also known for its many creameries. Taste your way through the wine roads then top it off with a trip down the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail.

Drive the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway for stunning natural landscapes. Boat or fish on the lakes. Venture into state parks at Watkins Glen or Taughannock Falls to explore iconic waterfalls.

Can’t miss wineries:

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Keuka Lake Vineyards, Heron Hill, Boundary Breaks

Best time to visit:

The best weather is from May to September. October temperatures are cooler and offer fantastic fall foliage.

Best towns to stay:

Geneva, Canadaigua, Watkins Glen, Hammondsport, Aurora

Long Island, New York

The sandy shores of Long Island are great for summertime adventures and the wines are the best on the East Coast. Explore multiple wine trails that have their own unique character, from the family-run charm of the North Fork Trail to the luxurious South Fork Trail that runs through the Hamptons. Long Island produces a diverse slate of wines, including cold climate whites and classic Bordeaux varietals.

In the summer, you can swim or sunbathe on the island’s Atlantic beaches or hop aboard a boat and head out on the water. Discover enchanting lighthouses and parks or dive deep into art galleries, nightlife and culture.

Can’t miss wineries: 

Baiting Hollow, Pindar, McCall, Wolffer Estate

Best time to visit:

May to September is peak wine travel season. The harvest and fall foliage can be viewed from September through November.

Best towns to stay:

Greenport, Mattituck, Riverhead, Southold

Yadkin Valley, North Carolina

Wander through this rolling river valley for a taste of American history to go along with the wine. Experience Southern Hospitality in the small towns that dot the scenic trails. This North Carolina valley supports a wide range of microclimates and produces an entire catalog of different grapes. You’ll find classic reds and whites, along with innovative hybrid grapes, and local varietals like the Virgina Creeper.

For an unforgettable close encounter with farm animals check out the llamas at Divine Llama vineyards.

For a dose of Americana, don’t miss the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy, the town that fictional Mayberry is based on.

Can’t miss wineries:

Childress, Grassy Creek, Haze Gray, Divine Llama

Best time to visit:

May to September has the best weather. Fall if you want to enjoy the harvest and foliage.

Best towns to stay:

Elkin is the heart of Yadkin wine country. Dobson and Mount Airy are close by.

Snake River Valley, Idaho

Drive the wine trails then hike up for mountaintop picnic in this up-and-coming region. The Snake River Valley produces cool whites like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Viognier, along with a full spectrum of reds. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail is quickly becoming iconic for its delightful winding roads and stunning views of the Owyhee Mountains.

Trek the Greenbelt Trail in Boise for a unique urban hiking experience. The 25 mile trail blends nature and civilization, taking you through wetlands flush with wildlife and parks full of people.

Can’t miss wineries:

Koenig Vineyards, Huston Vineyards, Hells Canyon

Best time to visit:

Summer days are long and the weather is ideal. In fall, the temperatures cool and you can enjoy the harvest and changing leaves.

Best towns to stay:

Boise offers the widest range of options a short drive from wine country. Caldwell or Nampa are closer to the heart of the valley.

Walla Walla, Washington

Take a scenic drive from Seattle to Walla Walla to launch your experience into this wine and food wonderland. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Walla Walla produces some of the most luxurious wines in America and draws top chefs from all over the country.

Explore the microclimate of the Rocks District where ancient cobblestone soil creates a growing environment that doesn’t exist anywhere else on the planet. The Rocks District produces savory Syrahs and other Rhone varietals.

Can’t miss wineries:

L’Ecole No. 41, Doubleback, Woodward Canyon. For a unique taste of the Rocks District try Force Majeure or Rotie Cellars.

Best time to visit:

May to September for the best weather. October for the harvest and foliage.

Best towns to stay:

Walla Walla itself has plenty of options. For a more peaceful stay try Dundee or Waitsburg.

Snake River Valley, Idaho

Drive the wine trails then hike up for mountaintop picnic in this up-and-coming region. The Snake River Valley produces cool whites like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Viognier, along with a full spectrum of reds. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail is quickly becoming iconic for its delightful winding roads and stunning views of the Owyhee Mountains.

Trek the Greenbelt Trail in Boise for a unique urban hiking experience. The 25 mile trail blends nature and civilization, taking you through wetlands flush with wildlife and parks full of people.

Can’t miss wineries:

Koenig Vineyards, Huston Vineyards, Hells Canyon

Best time to visit:

Summer days are long and the weather is ideal. In fall, the temperatures cool and you can enjoy the harvest and changing leaves.

Best towns to stay:

Boise offers the widest range of options a short drive from wine country. Caldwell or Nampa are closer to the heart of the valley.